Thousands of bras were hung Thursday from the old Mississippi River Bridge in Vicksburg.

This is the fifth year for the Bras for Breast Cancer fundraiser. Organizers said it's a unique way to raise money for a cure.

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Volunteers hung the bras, some of which were decorated, across the bridge Thursday morning. Other bras were donated in honor of someone else.

For every bra that was collected, Riverwalk Casino Hotel donated $1 to the American Cancer Society.

"If detected early enough, (breast cancer) is curable. We just want to do our part to help find a cure for breast cancer," said Riverwalk marketing manager Shellye Loper.

Organizers said this year's goal of $20,000, was surpassed. More than 16,000 bras were collected and a last-minute anonymous donation of $5,000 brought the total raised to more than $21,000.

"The money goes for cancer patients in our program," said Erin Freeman of the American Cancer Society. "We have programs like Road to Recovery, where we provide transportation. We have research right in the heart of Jackson, Miss."

All of the usable bras collected for the bridge will now be donated to women's shelters across the state. The rest of bras will be given to the Salvation Army to be recycled, organizers said.